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{{about|the active Italian Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|the Italian [[World War II]] airborne division|185th Airborne Division Folgore|the Italian [[Cold War]] mechanized division|Folgore Mechanized Division}}
{{about|the currently active [[Italian Army]] Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"|the [[World War II]] [[Royal Italian Army]] division|185th Paratroopers Division "Folgore"|the [[Cold War]] Italian Army division|Mechanized Division "Folgore"}}
{{no footnotes|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
|unit_name= Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
|native_name=Brigata paracadutisti "Folgore"
|native_name=Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore"
|image= CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg
|image= CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg
|image_size=160px
|caption= Coat of Arms the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
|caption= Coat of Arms the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
|dates= 1 January 1963 – Today
|dates= 1 January 1963 – Today
Line 14: Line 14:
|command_structure= [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"]]
|command_structure= [[Division "Vittorio Veneto"]]
|garrison=[[Livorno]]
|garrison=[[Livorno]]
|nickname= "''La Folgore''"
|nickname=
|motto=
|motto=
|colors= light blue
|colors= light blue
|march= ''Come Folgore dal Cielo (like lightning from the sky)''
|march= ''Come Folgore dal Cielo (Like lightning from the sky)''
|mascot= [[Michael (archangel)|Archangel Michael]]
|mascot= [[Michael (archangel)|Archangel Michael]]
|battles= [[Lebanon]] [[Multinational Force in Lebanon|MNF]]<br/>[[Kurdistan]] [[Operation Provide Comfort]] <br/>[[Somalia]] [[Unified Task Force|UNITAF]] <br> [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] [[Implementation Force|IFOR]]/[[SFOR]] <br> [[Kosovo]] [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] <br> [[Iraq]] [[Multinational force in Iraq|MNF-I]]<br> [[East Timor]] [[INTERFET]]<br/>[[Lebanon]] [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL II]]<br/>[[Afghanistan]] [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]]
|battles= [[Lebanon]] [[Multinational Force in Lebanon|MNF]]<br/>[[Iraqi Kurdistan|Kurdistan]] [[Operation Provide Comfort]] <br/>[[Somalia]] [[Unified Task Force|UNITAF]] <br> [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] [[Implementation Force|IFOR]]/[[SFOR]] <br> [[Kosovo]] [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]] <br> [[Iraq]] [[Multinational force in Iraq|MNF-I]]<br> [[East Timor]] [[INTERFET]]<br/>[[Lebanon]] [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL II]]<br/>[[Afghanistan]] [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]]
|anniversaries= 23 October ([[Second Battle of El Alamein]])
|anniversaries= 23 October ([[Second Battle of El Alamein]])
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=
|specialization= [[Paratroopers]]<br> [[Light Infantry]]
|specialization= [[Paratroopers]]<br> [[Light Infantry]]
|current_commander= [[Brigadier General]] [[Beniamino Vergori]]
|current_commander= [[Brigadier General]] [[Roberto Vergori]]
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief=
}}
}}
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== History ==
== History ==

=== World War II ===
=== World War II ===
{{main|185th Airborne Division Folgore|Folgore Combat Group}}
{{main|185th Airborne Division Folgore|Folgore Combat Group}}


The first units of Italian parachutists were trained and formed shortly before [[World War II]] in [[Castel Benito]], near [[Tripoli]] in [[Libya]], where the first Military Parachuting School was located. Later the school was moved to [[Tarquinia]] in Italy.
The first Italian paratrooper units were trained and formed shortly before [[World War II]] in [[Castel Benito]], near [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] in [[Libya]], where the first Military Parachuting School was located. Later the school was moved to [[Tarquinia]] in Italy.

On 1 September 1941 the [[Royal Italian Army (1940–1946)|Royal Italian Army]] raised the 1st Paratroopers Division in [[Tarquinia]].<ref name="Brigata">{{cite web |title=Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/La-Storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref> The division initially was organized as follows:

* '''1st Paratroopers Division'''
** 1st Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (raised 1 April 1941)<ref name="185° Paracadutisti">{{cite web |title=185° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-delle-Forze-Speciali-dell-Esercito/185-Reggimento-Paracadutisti-RAO-Folgore/Pagine/La-Storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="187° Paracadutisti">{{cite web |title=187° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/187-Reggimento-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref>
*** II Paratroopers Battalion
*** III Paratroopers Battalion
*** IV Paratroopers Battalion
*** Cannons Company ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
** 2nd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (raised 1 September 1941)<ref name="186° Paracadutisti">{{cite web |title=186° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/186-Reggimento-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref>
*** V Paratroopers Battalion
*** VI Paratroopers Battalion
*** VII Paratroopers Battalion
*** Cannons Company ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
** I Paratroopers Artillery Group ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons, raised 28 August 1941)<ref name="185° Artiglieria">{{cite web |title=185° Reggimento Artiglieria Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/185-Reggimento-Artiglieria-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref>

For reasons of order of precedence the title I Paratroopers Battalion was reserved for the [[1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania"|I Carabinieri Paratroopers Battalion]].<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/> The division was intended to be used in [[Operation Hercules]] – the planned Axis invasion of [[Malta]]. On 30 April 1941 the Italian paratroopers were deployed for the first time when the II Paratroopers Battalion jumped onto [[Cephalonia]].<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/>

In 1942 the division was further augmented: on 15 January the II Paratroopers Artillery Group was raised, followed by the III Paratroopers Artillery Group on 10 March. On the same date the Paratroopers Division Artillery Regiment was activated. The regiment took command of the three paratroopers artillery groups, which each fielded two batteries with four [[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons per battery.<ref name="185° Artiglieria"/> On 15 March 1942 the 3rd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment with the battalions VIII, IX, and X was raised in Tarquinia.<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/>

On 27 July 1942 the division's name was changed to '''185th Infantry Division "Folgore"''' and its regiments were renumbered and renamed as well.<ref name="Brigata"/> The new structure was as follows:

* '''185th Infantry Division "Folgore"'''<ref name="Brigata"/>
** [[185th Infantry Regiment "Folgore"]]<ref name="185° Paracadutisti"/>
*** II Paratroopers Battalion
*** III Paratroopers Battalion
*** IV Paratroopers Battalion
*** Cannons Company ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
** [[186th Infantry Regiment "Folgore"]]<ref name="186° Paracadutisti"/>
*** V Paratroopers Battalion
*** VI Paratroopers Battalion
*** VII Paratroopers Battalion
*** Cannons Company ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
** [[187th Infantry Regiment "Folgore"]]<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/>
*** VIII Paratroopers Battalion (re-roled as Paratroopers Sapper unit in May 1942)<ref>{{cite web |title=8° Reggimento Genio Guastatori Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/8-Reggimento-Genio-Guastatori-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref>
*** IX Paratroopers Battalion
*** X Paratroopers Battalion
*** Cannons Company ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
** [[185th Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]]<ref name="185° Artiglieria"/>
*** I Paratroopers Artillery Group ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
*** II Paratroopers Artillery Group ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
*** III Paratroopers Artillery Group ([[Cannone da 47/32|47/32]] cannons)
*** Regimental Services Battery

The division was then sent to [[Italian Libya]] to bolster Axis forces in the [[Western Desert campaign]]. Before the departing for North Africa the 185th Infantry Regiment "Folgore" and 187th Infantry Regiment "Folgore" switched units: the 185th ceded the more experienced II and IV to 187th, which in turn ceded the VIII and X to the 185th.<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/> When the division arrived in Africa the three artillery groups of the 185th Artillery Regiment "Folgore" were merged into two artillery groups of three batteries each, thus providing one group for each infantry regiment, which in turn could now provide one battery to each battalion of a regiment. Additionally a seventh battery was formed with surplus materiel found by the division during its transfer to the front.<ref name="185° Artiglieria"/>


On 15 September the 185th Infantry Regiment "Folgore", which had remained in Italy, left the division and changed its name to 185th Infantry Regiment "Nembo" and became the basis for the [[184th Airborne Division Nembo|184th Infantry Division "Nembo"]] (''Nemo'' Italian for [[Nimbus cloud|Nimbus]]). To aid in the raising of the [[183rd Infantry Regiment "Nembo"]] the 185th ceded its X Paratroopers Battalion to the 183rd and raised the XI Paratroopers Battalion in its stead.<ref name="187° Paracadutisti"/>
On 1 September 1941 the [[Royal Italian Army (1940–1946)|Royal Italian Army]] raised the 1st Parachute Division in [[Tarquinia]]. The division was intended to be used in [[Operation Hercules]] – the planned Axis invasion of [[Malta]]. In June 1942 the divisions name was changed to '''185th Airborne Division "Folgore"''' and its regiments renumbered and renamed as well. In North Africa the division participated in the Battles of El Alamein, where the division was the protagonist of a strong resistance against the attacking Commonwealth forces, managing also to drive off some attacks conducted by tanks and heavy infantry. In the course of the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]] the division was completely destroyed and therefore officially disbanded on 23 November 1942.


In North Africa the division participated in the [[First Battle of El Alamein|First]] and [[Second Battle of El Alamein]]. During the latter division put up a fierce defense against advancing Allied forces, managing to drive off repeated assaults conducted by tanks and infantry working in unison. However, in the course of the battle the division was annihilated and declared lost on 23 November 1942.<ref name="Brigata"/>
Before embarking for Africa the 185th Parachute Infantry Regiment was detached from the "Folgore" and remained in Italy with one its battalions to help raise the [[184th Airborne Division Nembo|184th Airborne Division "Nembo"]] (Italian for [[Nimbus cloud|Nimbus]]). After the [[Armistice of Cassibile]] between the Allies and Italy most of the troops of the "Nembo" stationed on [[Sardinia]] decided to side with Italian [[King of Italy|King]] [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel III]] and began to fight the retreating German troops.


Subsequently the remnants of the "Nembo" were used to form the "Folgore" Combat Group of the [[Italian Co-Belligerent Army]] in 1944. The combat group was equipped with British materiel and uniforms and fought as part of the British [[XIII Corps (United Kingdom)|XIII Corps]] in [[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]].
After the [[Armistice of Cassibile]] between the Allies and Italy most of the troops of the "Nembo" stationed on [[Sardinia]] decided to side with Italian [[King of Italy|King]] [[Victor Emmanuel III of Italy|Victor Emmanuel III]] and began to fight the retreating German troops. Subsequently, the remnants of the "Nembo" were used to form the [[Combat Group "Folgore"]] of the [[Italian Co-Belligerent Army]] in 1944. The combat group was equipped with British materiel and uniforms and fought as part of the British [[XIII Corps (United Kingdom)|XIII Corps]] in [[Italian Campaign (World War II)|Italian Campaign]].


During the war the [[Italian Social Republic|fascist regime in Northern Italy]] fielded the 1st Parachute [[Arditi]] Regiment "Folgore", which also fielded a "Nembo" and a "Folgore" battalion.
During the war the [[Italian Social Republic|fascist regime in Northern Italy]] fielded the 1st Parachute [[Arditi]] Regiment "Folgore", which also fielded a "Nembo" and a "Folgore" battalion.


=== Cold War ===
=== Cold War ===
{{see also|Folgore Mechanized Division}}
{{see also|Mechanized Division "Folgore"}}


After World War II the Combat Group "Folgore" became one of the Italian Army's first divisions and by 1954 one of the strongest. The [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Motorized Infantry Division "Folgore" ]] was not an airborne capable unit, but a mechanized infantry unit based in the North-eastern Italian city of [[Treviso]]. Airborne troops and operations were to be performed by the Military Parachute Centre in [[Pisa]].
After World War II the Combat Group "Folgore" became one of the Italian Army's first divisions and by 1954 one of the strongest. The [[Infantry Division "Folgore"]] was mechanized infantry unit based in the North-eastern Italian city of [[Treviso]]. Airborne troops and operations were to be performed by the Military Parachuting Centre in [[Pisa]].


On 1 January 1963 the army raised a new airborne brigade in the Tuscan city of [[Pisa]]. The brigade was named ''I Paratroopers Brigade'' and fielded the 1st Paratroopers Regiment with the II and V Paratroopers battalions, a Paratroopers Special Forces Battalion, a [[Carabinieri]] Paratroopers Company, which was augmented to battalion on 15 July 1963 and a Paratroopers Field Artillery Battery, which was augmented to group on 1 June 1963 and armed with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod56 105mm]] howitzers. On 1 April 1964 the brigade lost the Military Parachute School in Pisa to the army's Infantry Inspectorate. On 10 June 1967 the I Paratroopers Brigade was allowed to add "Folgore" to its name and was now named "Folgore" Paratroopers Brigade.
On 1 January 1963 the Military Parachuting Center was reorganized and renamed Paratroopers Brigade, which consisted of the 1st Paratroopers Regiment with the II and V paratroopers battalions, the Paratroopers Saboteurs Battalion, a [[Carabinieri]] Paratroopers Company, which was expanded to battalion on 15 July 1963 and a Paratroopers Field Artillery Battery, which was expanded to group on 1 June 1963 and armed with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod56 105&nbsp;mm]] howitzers, and the Paratroopers Training Center. On 1 April 1964 the brigade lost the Paratroopers Training Center in Pisa to the army's Infantry and Cavalry Inspectorate. On 10 June 1967 the Paratroopers Brigade was renamed Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore".<ref name="Brigata"/>


With the [[Italian Army 1975 reform]] the army abolished the regimental level and re-organised its brigades. Therefore, the "Folgore" brigade's 1st Paratroopers Regiment disbanded on 1 October 1975 and its two battalions became the 2nd Paratroopers Battalion ''Tarquinia'' and the 5th Paratroopers Battalion ''El Alamein''. After the reform the brigade was structured as follows:
With the [[Italian Army 1975 reform]] the army abolished the regimental level and re-organised its brigades. Therefore, the "Folgore" brigade's 1st Paratroopers Regiment disbanded on 1 October 1975 and its two battalions became the 2nd Paratroopers Battalion "Tarquinia'" and the 5th Paratroopers Battalion "El Alamein". After the reform the brigade was structured as follows:<ref name="Brigata"/>


* [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|30px]] '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]]<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'>{{cite web |title=Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/La-Storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref><ref name='Folgore'>{{cite book |last1=F. dell'Uomo, R. Puletti |title=L'Esercito Italiano verso il 2000 - Vol. Primo - Tomo I |date=1998 |publisher=SME - Ufficio Storico |location=Rome |page=102}}</ref><ref name="Schema N. 11">{{cite book |last1=F. dell'Uomo, R. Puletti |title=L'Esercito Italiano verso il 2000 - Vol. Primo - Tomo I |date=1998 |publisher=SME - Ufficio Storico |location=Rome |page=212}}</ref>
* '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]]
** Command and Signal Unit "Folgore", in Livorno
** Paratroopers Command and Signal Unit "Folgore",<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/> in Livorno
** [[Carabinieri Regiment "Tuscania"|1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Battalion]] ''Tuscania'', in Livorno
** [[1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Battalion "Tuscania"]],<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/> in Livorno
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 187.png|25px]] [[2nd Paratroopers Battalion "Tarquinia"]],<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/><ref>{{cite web |title=187° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/187-Reggimento-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref> in Livorno
** 2nd Paratroopers Battalion "Tarquinia", in Livorno
** 3rd Paratroopers (Training) Battalion "Poggio Rusco", in Pisa
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 185.png|25px]] [[3rd Paratroopers Battalion "Poggio Rusco"]] (Recruits Training), in Pisa<ref name='Folgore'/><ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/>
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 186.png|25px]] [[5th Paratroopers Battalion "El Alamein"]],<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/><ref>{{cite web |title=186° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/186-Reggimento-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref> in Livorno (moved to [[Siena]] in 1978)
** 5th Paratroopers Battalion "El Alamein", in [[Siena]]
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 009.png|25px]] [[9th Paratroopers Assault Battalion "Col Moschin"]],<ref>{{cite web |title=9° Reggimento d'Assalto Paracadutisti "Col Moschin" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-delle-Forze-Speciali-dell-Esercito/9-Reggimento-dAssalto-Paracadutisti-Col-Moschin/Pagine/La-Storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref><ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/> in Livorno
** [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|9th Paratroopers Assault Battalion]] "Col Moschin", in Livorno
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 185.png|25px]] [[185th Paratroopers Field Artillery Group "Viterbo"]],<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/><ref>{{cite web |title=185° Reggimento Artiglieria Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/185-Reggimento-Artiglieria-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref> in Livorno ([[OTO Melara Mod 56|M56 105&nbsp;mm]] towed [[howitzer]]s)
** 185th Paratroopers Field Artillery Group "Viterbo", in Livorno, with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod56 105mm]] [[howitzer]]s
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt logistico folgore.png|25px]] [[Paratroopers Logistic Battalion "Folgore"]],<ref name='Brigata "Folgore"'/><ref>{{cite web |title=Reggimento Logistico "Folgore" - La Storia |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/6-Reggimento-di-Manovra/Pagine/la-storia.aspx |publisher=Esercito Italiano |access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref> in [[Pisa]]
** Paratroopers Logistic Battalion "Folgore" , in [[Pisa]]
** [[26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadrons Group "Giove"]], at Pisa-[[Pisa International Airport|San Giusto Air Base]]<ref name="AVES">{{cite book |last1=Cerbo |first1=Giovanni |title=L'Aviazione dell'Esercito - Dalle origini ai giorni nostri |date=1996 |publisher=Rivista Militare |location=Rome |page=128 |url=https://issuu.com/rivista.militare1/docs/1996_-l_aviazione__dell_esercito |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="ALE Ordinamento">{{cite book |last1=Stefani |first1=Filippo |title=La storia della dottrina e degli ordinamenti dell'Esercito Italiano - Vol. III - Tomo 2nd |date=1989 |publisher=Ufficio Storico - Stato Maggiore dell'Esercito |location=Rome |page=1187}}</ref>
** 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron "Giove", at [[Pisa International Airport|San Giusto Air Base]]
*** Command and Services Squadron
** Paratroopers Reconnaissance Company "Folgore", in Siena
*** 426th Reconnaissance Helicopters Squadron ([[Agusta-Bell 206|AB 206]] reconnaissance helicopters)
** Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore", in Lucca
*** 526th Multirole Helicopters Squadron ([[Bell 204/205|AB 204B/205]] multirole helicopters)
** Paratroopers Pathfinder Company "Folgore", in Siena
** Paratroopers Anti-tank Company "Folgore", in Livorno ([[BGM-71 TOW]] [[anti-tank guided missile]]s)
** Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore", in [[Lucca]]


In 1982 the brigade deployed as first unit in Italy's first international mission abroad since World War II when it joined the [[Multinational Force in Lebanon]] and on 1 January 1983 the Military Parachute School in Pisa with the 3rd Paratroopers (Training) Battalion ''Poggio Rusco'' returned to the brigade .
In 1982 the brigade deployed in Italy's first international mission abroad since World War II, when it joined the [[Multinational Force in Lebanon]] and on 1 January 1983 the Military Parachuting School in Pisa with the 3rd Paratroopers (Recruits Training) Battalion "Poggio Rusco" returned to the brigade .<ref name="Brigata"/>


On 1 January 1986, the "Folgore" Brigade and the [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]], in conjunction with some units of the Army's Light Army Aviation and the [[Marina Militare|Navy's]] [[San Marco Regiment]], became the Rapid Intervention Forces of the [[Military of Italy|Italian Military]], deployable on short notice for out of area missions. On 31 October of the same year the army disbanded the [[Folgore Mechanized Division|Mechanized Division "Folgore"]], leaving the 'Folgore'' Paratroopers Brigade as only unit with the name "Folgore".
On 1 January 1986, the "Folgore" brigade and the [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Motorized Brigade "Friuli"]], in conjunction with some units of the Army's Light Army Aviation and the [[Marina Militare|Navy's]] [[San Marco Regiment]], became the Rapid Intervention Forces of the [[Military of Italy|Italian Military]], deployable on short notice for out of area missions. On 31 October of the same year the army disbanded the [[Mechanized Division "Folgore"]], leaving the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" as only heir of the name and traditions associated with the name "Folgore".<ref name="Brigata"/>


In 1991 tactical group of the brigade was sent to [[Kurdistan]] as part of the [[Operation Provide Comfort]]. The same year the army decided to rename battalions as regiments for historic reasons and to disbanded seven combat brigades as the [[Cold War]] had ended. On 31 May 1991 the "Folgore" received the 183rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion "Nembo" from the [[Gorizia Mechanized Brigade|Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]], which subsequently was re-roled as a paratroopers battalion. Beginning in 1992 the battalions returned to their regimental names. The new structure is listed below:
In 1991 tactical group of the brigade was sent to [[Kurdistan]] as part of the [[Operation Provide Comfort]]. The same year the army disbanded seven combat brigades as the [[Cold War]] had ended. On 31 May 1991 the "Folgore" received the 183rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion "Nembo" from the [[Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia"]], which subsequently was re-roled as a paratroopers battalion. Beginning in 1992 the battalions returned to their regimental names.<ref name="Brigata"/> The brigade's new structure was as follows:


* '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]]
* [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|30px]] '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]]
** Command and Signal Unit "Folgore", in Livorno
** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] Command and Signal Unit "Folgore", in Livorno
** [[Carabinieri Regiment "Tuscania"|1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment ''Tuscania'']], in Livorno
** [[1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania"]], in Livorno
** [[9th Parachute Assault Regiment|9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment ''Col Moschin'']], in Livorno
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 009.png|25px]] [[9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin"]], in Livorno
** 183rd Paratroopers Regiment "Nembo", in [[Pistoia]]
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 183.png|25px]] [[183rd Paratroopers Regiment "Nembo"]], in [[Pistoia]]
** 186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore", in [[Siena]] (former 5th Paratroopers Battalion)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 186.png|25px]] [[186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Siena]] (former 5th Paratroopers Battalion)
** 187th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore", in Livorno (former 2nd Paratroopers Battalion)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 187.png|25px]] [[187th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]], in Livorno (former 2nd Paratroopers Battalion)
** [[185th Artillery Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"|185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]], in Livorno, with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod56 105mm]] [[howitzer]]s
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 185.png|25px]] [[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]], in Livorno, with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|Mod56 105 mm]] [[howitzer]]s
** Paratroopers Logistic Battalion "Folgore", in [[Pisa]]
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt logistico folgore.png|25px]] [[Paratroopers Logistic Battalion "Folgore"]], in [[Pisa]]
** [[File:CoA mil ITA centro paracadutismo.png|25px]] Military Parachuting School, in Pisa
** 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron ''Giove'', at [[Pisa International Airport|San Giusto Air Base]]
** 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron "Giove", at [[Pisa International Airport|San Giusto Air Base]]
** Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore", in Lucca
** Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore", in Lucca
** Military Parachuting School, in Pisa


On 3 December 1992 the brigade deployed for a year to [[Somalia]] as part of [[Operation Restore Hope]] (later [[Unified Task Force]]). There the brigade was engaged in a battle on 2 July 1993 where it lost three men and a further 36 were injured. The three deceased soldiers were awarded each the [[Gold Medal of Military Valor]] for their conduct during the battle.
On 3 December 1992 the brigade deployed for a year to [[Somalia]] as part of [[Operation Restore Hope]] (later [[Unified Task Force]]). There the brigade was engaged in a battle on 2 July 1993 where it lost three men and a further 36 were injured. The three deceased soldiers were each awarded the [[Gold Medal of Military Valor]] for their conduct during the battle.


=== After the Cold War ===
=== After the Cold War ===
On 1 October 1997 the brigades passed to the [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|Projection Forces Command]] (Comando Forze di Proiezione or COMFOP), which commanded all the rapid-deployable units of the Italia Army. However, with a new reform the brigade passed on 1 December 2000 to the [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|1st Defence Forces Command]] (1° Comando Forze di Difesa or COMFOD 1°) and received the 5th Engineer Regiment in [[Legnano]], which was quickly renamed as 8th Engineer Regiment "Folgore" and incorporated the Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore". The same year on 31 August the 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore" retired its howitzers and began its conversion to a [[Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol]] [[Special Operations]] unit.
On 1 October 1997, the brigades passed to the [[3rd Army Corps (Italy)|Projection Forces Command]] (Comando Forze di Proiezione or COMFOP), which commanded all rapid-deployable units of the Italian Army. However, on 1 December 2000 the brigade passed to the [[5th Army Corps (Italy)|1st Defence Forces Command]] (1° Comando Forze di Difesa or COMFOD 1°) and received the 5th Engineer Battalion "Bolsena" in [[Legnano]], which was renamed as [[8th Paratroopers Engineers Regiment (Italy)|8th Engineer Regiment "Folgore"]] and incorporated the brigade's Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore". The same year on 31 August the 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore" retired its howitzers and began its conversion to a [[Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol]] [[Special Operations]] unit.<ref name="Brigata"/>


In March 2001 the brigade lost its logistic battalion and the 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron Giove and when in 2002 the [[Carabinieri]] were separated from the Army to become the Fourth [[Italian Armed Forces|Armed Force of Italy]] the 1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment ''Tuscania'' left the brigade. From April to September 2005 the brigade was employed in Iraq as part of the [[Multi-National Force – Iraq]]. In 2007 the brigade sent a task force to [[East Timor]] as part of [[International Force for East Timor]], while the majority of its units deployed to Lebanon as part of [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon II]]. The brigade deployed twice to [[Afghanistan]] in support of [[ISAF]] – once in 2009 and once in 2011
In March 2001, the brigade lost its logistic battalion and the 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron "Giove" and when in 2002 the [[Carabinieri]] were separated from the Army to become the Fourth [[Italian Armed Forces|Armed Force of Italy]] the 1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania" left the brigade. From April to September 2005 the brigade was employed in Iraq as part of the [[Multi-National Force – Iraq]]. In 2007 the brigade sent a task force to [[East Timor]] as part of [[International Force for East Timor]], while the majority of its units deployed to Lebanon as part of [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon II]]. The brigade deployed twice to [[Afghanistan]] in support of [[ISAF]] – once in 2009 and once in 2011


== Today ==
== Organization ==
[[File:Struttura della Brigata Folgore.gif|{{largethumb}}|Structure of the brigade (click to enlarge)]]
{{Location map+ | Italy Tuscany
{{Location map+ | Italy Tuscany
| width = 420
| width = 420
| caption = <center>"Folgore" Paratroopers Brigade regiments in 2018<br>''[[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"|185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment]]'' is based in [[Bracciano]] in [[Lazio]]<br>''[[8th Paratroopers Engineers Regiment (Italy)|8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment]]'' is based in [[Legnago]] in [[Veneto]]</center>
| caption = {{center|Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" units in 2022<br>''[[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"|185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment]]'' is based in [[Bracciano]] in [[Lazio]]<br>''[[8th Paratroopers Engineers Regiment (Italy)|8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment]]'' is based in [[Legnago]] in [[Veneto]]}}
| places =
| places =
{{Location map~| Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~| Italy Tuscany
| label = '''[[Livorno|Folgore]]'''
| label = [[Livorno|Folgore]]
| position = left
| position = left
| background = white
| background = white
Line 109: Line 156:
}}
}}
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
| label = ''[[Grosseto|Savoia Cavalleria (3)]]''
| label = <small>[[Grosseto|Savoia Cavalleria (3)]]</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 118: Line 165:
}}
}}
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
| label = ''[[Pistoia|183 Nembo]]''
| label = <small>[[Pistoia|183 Nembo]]</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 127: Line 174:
}}
}}
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
| label = ''[[Siena|186 Folgore]]''
| label = <small>[[Siena|186 Folgore]]</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 136: Line 183:
}}
}}
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
| label = ''[[Livorno|187 Folgore]]''
| label = <small>[[Livorno|187 Folgore]]</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 145: Line 192:
}}
}}
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
{{Location map~|Italy Tuscany
| label = ''[[Pisa|Logistic Rgt]]''
| label = <small>[[Pisa|Logistic Rgt]]</small>
| position = right
| position = right
| background = white
| background = white
Line 154: Line 201:
}}
}}
}}
}}
[[File:Savoia Cavalleria Centauro.png|thumb|3rd Cavalry Regiment ''Savoia Cavalleria'' Centauro on maneuver]]
[[File:Savoia Cavalleria Centauro.png|thumb|Regiment Savoia Cavalleria (3rd) Centauro on maneuver]]
With the 2013 reform the "Folgore" changed its composition significantly. The brigade lost its two special forces units which both passed to the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in Pisa. In return the brigade received the Cavalry Regiment ''Savoia Cavalleria'' (3rd) from the [[Friuli Air Assault Brigade|Air-assault Brigade]], the 33rd Self-propelled Field Artillery Regiment ''Acqui'' from the [[Granatieri di Sardegna Mechanized Brigade|''Granatieri di Sardegna'' Mechanized Brigade]] and the 6th Logistic Regiment from the disbanded Logistic Projection Command. Upon entering the brigade the 33rd Artillery Regiment was renamed as 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore", while the 6th Logistic Regiment was renamed as Logistic Regiment "Folgore". Thus the current composition of the brigade is:


With the 2013 reform the "Folgore" changed its composition significantly. The brigade lost its two special forces units which both passed to the [[Army Special Forces Command (Italy)|Army Special Forces Command]] (COMFOSE) in Pisa. In return the brigade received the Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd) from the [[Airmobile Brigade "Friuli"]], the 33rd Self-propelled Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" from the [[Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna"]] and the 6th Logistic Regiment from the disbanded Logistic Projection Command. Upon entering the brigade the 33rd Artillery Regiment was renamed as [[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]], while the 6th Logistic Regiment was renamed as Logistic Regiment "Folgore". As of 4 October 2022 the brigade consists of the following units:
* [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]] (Tuscany)

** [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|25px]] Command and Tactical Supports Unit "Folgore", in Livorno
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 03.png|25px]] Regiment "[[Savoy|Savoia]] Cavalleria" (3rd), in [[Grosseto]] (Tuscany) with [[Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s
* [[File:CoA of the Folgore Brigade.svg|30px]] '''Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"''', in [[Livorno]] (Tuscany)
** [[184th Paratroopers Command and Tactical Supports Unit "Nembo"]], in Livorno
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 183.png|25px]] 183rd Paratroopers Regiment "Nembo", in [[Pistoia]] (Tuscany) with [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 186.png|25px]] 186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore", in [[Siena]] (Tuscany) with VTLM Lince vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt cavalleria 03.png|25px]] [[Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd)]], in [[Grosseto]] (Tuscany) with [[B1 Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 187.png|25px]] 187th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore", in Livorno ([[Tuscany]]) with VTLM Lince vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 183.png|25px]] [[183rd Paratroopers Regiment "Nembo"]], in [[Pistoia]] (Tuscany) with [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 185.png|25px]] [[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Bracciano]] (Lazio) with [[OTO Melara Mod 56|M56 105mm]] pack howitzers
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 186.png|25px]] [[186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Siena]] (Tuscany) with VTLM Lince vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 08.png|25px]] [[8th Paratroopers Engineers Regiment (Italy)|8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Legnago]] (Veneto)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt paracadutisti 187.png|25px]] [[187th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]], in Livorno ([[Tuscany]]) with VTLM Lince vehicles
** [[File:CoA mil ITA btg logistico folgore.png|25px]] Logistic Regiment "Folgore", in [[Pisa]] (Tuscany)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt artiglieria 185.png|25px]] [[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Bracciano]] (Lazio) with [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|F1 120 mm mortars]]
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt genio 08.png|25px]] [[8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Legnago]] (Veneto)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA rgt logistico folgore.png|25px]] [[Logistic Regiment "Folgore"]], in [[Pisa]] (Tuscany)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA centro paracadutismo.png|25px]] Parachuting Training Center, in Pisa (Tuscany)
** [[File:CoA mil ITA centro paracadutismo.png|25px]] Parachuting Training Center, in Pisa (Tuscany)


The new composition of the brigade is identical to the composition of the [[Alpine Brigade Julia|''Julia'' Alpine Brigade]] and the [[Alpine Brigade Taurinense|''Taurinense'' Alpine Brigade]], the other light brigades of the [[Italian Army]].
The composition of the brigade is identical to the composition of the [[Alpine Brigade "Julia"]] and [[Alpine Brigade "Taurinense"]], the other light brigades of the Italian Army.


== Equipment ==
== Equipment ==
The paratrooper regiments are equipped with [[Iveco LMV|Lince]] light multirole vehicles. The maneuver support companies of the paratrooper regiments are equipped with [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120mm mortars]] and [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[Anti-tank missile|anti-tank guided missile]] systems. The cavalry regiment is equipped with [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s and [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] vehicles. The brigade's artillery regiment fields 18x [[OTO Melara Mod 56|M56 105mm]] pack howitzers.
The paratrooper regiments are equipped with [[Iveco LMV|Lince]] light multirole vehicles. The maneuver support companies of the paratrooper regiments are equipped with [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120 mm mortars]] and [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[Anti-tank missile|anti-tank guided missile]] systems. The cavalry regiment is equipped with [[B1 Centauro|Centauro]] [[tank destroyer]]s and [[Iveco LMV|VTLM Lince]] vehicles. The brigade's artillery regiment is equipped with 18x [[Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1|120 mm mortars]].

== Gorget patches ==
{{main|Italian Army gorget patches}}

The personnel of the brigade's units wears the following gorget patches:<ref>{{cite web |title=Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" |url=https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/default.aspx |publisher=Italian Army |access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Mostrina - Trasmissioni per Aviotruppe.png|{{center|184th Paratroopers Command and Tactical Supports Unit "Nembo"}}
File:Mostrina - "Savoia Cavalleria" (3°).png|{{center|[[Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd)]]}}
File:Mostrina - Paracadutisti.png|{{center|[[183rd Paratroopers Regiment "Nembo"]]}}
File:Mostrina - Paracadutisti.png|{{center|[[186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]]}}
File:Mostrina - Paracadutisti.png|{{center|[[187th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore"]]}}
File:Mostrina - Artiglieria per Aviotruppe.png|{{center|[[185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore"]]}}
File:Mostrina - Genio Guastatori per Aviotruppe.png|{{center|[[8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment "Folgore"]]}}
File:Mostrina - TRAMAT per Aviotruppe.png|{{center|Logistic Regiment "Folgore"}}
File:Mostrina - Paracadutisti.png|{{center|Parachuting Training Center}}
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 177: Line 242:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130619192116/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/Organizzazione/Organizzazione%20Centrale/Comando%20delle%20Forze%20Operative%20Terrestri/1_fod/br_folgore/Pagine/la_storia.aspx Italian Army homepage: History of the "Folgore"]
* [https://www.esercito.difesa.it/organizzazione/capo-di-sme/COMFOTER/Comando-Forze-Operative-Nord/Brigata-Paracadutisti-Folgore/Pagine/La-Storia.aspx Italian Army homepage: History of the "Folgore"]


==External links==
==External links==
Line 187: Line 252:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004616/http://www.squadronef.it/ Squadron F]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004616/http://www.squadronef.it/ Squadron F]
* [http://www.folgore.net/ Site on the “FOLGORE” Parachute Brigade]
* [http://www.folgore.net/ Site on the “FOLGORE” Parachute Brigade]
* [https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/129388/Tanks-of-El-Alamein/overview Tanks of El Alamein (1954) Movie]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121103101602/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/129388/Tanks-of-El-Alamein/overview Tanks of El Alamein (1954) Movie]

{{Italian Military}}
{{Italian Army}}


[[Category:Airborne brigades]]
[[Category:Airborne brigades]]
[[Category:Italian Army Brigades]]
[[Category:Italian Army Brigades]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1963]]
[[Category:Airborne units and formations of Italy]]
[[Category:Airborne units and formations of Italy]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paratroopers Brigade Folgore}}

Latest revision as of 22:26, 15 June 2024

This article is about the currently active Italian Army Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore". For the World War II Royal Italian Army division, see 185th Paratroopers Division "Folgore". For the Cold War Italian Army division, see Mechanized Division "Folgore".
Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore"
Coat of Arms the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore"
Active1 January 1963 – Today
Land Italien
Branch Italian Army
TypAirborne
RoleParatroopers
Light Infantry
SizeBrigade
Part ofDivision "Vittorio Veneto"
Garrison/HQLivorno
Colorslight blue
MarchCome Folgore dal Cielo (Like lightning from the sky)
Mascot(s)Archangel Michael
Anniversaries23 October (Second Battle of El Alamein)
EngagementsLebanon MNF
Kurdistan Operation Provide Comfort
Somalia UNITAF
Bosnia IFOR/SFOR
Kosovo KFOR
Iraq MNF-I
East Timor INTERFET
Lebanon UNIFIL II
Afghanistan ISAF
Commanders
Current
commander		Brigadier General Roberto Vergori
183rd Regiment parading in Rome on 2 June 2006

The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" is an airborne brigade of the Italian Army. Its core units are three battalions of paratroopers (paracadutisti). The name "Folgore" is Italian for lightning. The Folgore is one of three light infantry brigades of the Italian Army. While the Folgore specializes in parachute operations its sister brigade in the Division "Vittorio Veneto" the Airmobile Brigade Friuli specializes in helicopter assault operations. The Folgore and its units are based in Tuscany, Veneto and Lazio.

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]
Main articles: 185th Airborne Division Folgore and Folgore Combat Group

The first Italian paratrooper units were trained and formed shortly before World War II in Castel Benito, near Tripoli in Libya, where the first Military Parachuting School was located. Later the school was moved to Tarquinia in Italy.

On 1 September 1941 the Royal Italian Army raised the 1st Paratroopers Division in Tarquinia.[1] The division initially was organized as follows:

  • 1st Paratroopers Division
    • 1st Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (raised 1 April 1941)[2][3]
      • II Paratroopers Battalion
      • III Paratroopers Battalion
      • IV Paratroopers Battalion
      • Cannons Company (47/32 cannons)
    • 2nd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (raised 1 September 1941)[4]
      • V Paratroopers Battalion
      • VI Paratroopers Battalion
      • VII Paratroopers Battalion
      • Cannons Company (47/32 cannons)
    • I Paratroopers Artillery Group (47/32 cannons, raised 28 August 1941)[5]

For reasons of order of precedence the title I Paratroopers Battalion was reserved for the I Carabinieri Paratroopers Battalion.[3] The division was intended to be used in Operation Hercules – the planned Axis invasion of Malta. On 30 April 1941 the Italian paratroopers were deployed for the first time when the II Paratroopers Battalion jumped onto Cephalonia.[3]

In 1942 the division was further augmented: on 15 January the II Paratroopers Artillery Group was raised, followed by the III Paratroopers Artillery Group on 10 March. On the same date the Paratroopers Division Artillery Regiment was activated. The regiment took command of the three paratroopers artillery groups, which each fielded two batteries with four 47/32 cannons per battery.[5] On 15 March 1942 the 3rd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment with the battalions VIII, IX, and X was raised in Tarquinia.[3]

On 27 July 1942 the division's name was changed to 185th Infantry Division "Folgore" and its regiments were renumbered and renamed as well.[1] The new structure was as follows:

The division was then sent to Italian Libya to bolster Axis forces in the Western Desert campaign. Before the departing for North Africa the 185th Infantry Regiment "Folgore" and 187th Infantry Regiment "Folgore" switched units: the 185th ceded the more experienced II and IV to 187th, which in turn ceded the VIII and X to the 185th.[3] When the division arrived in Africa the three artillery groups of the 185th Artillery Regiment "Folgore" were merged into two artillery groups of three batteries each, thus providing one group for each infantry regiment, which in turn could now provide one battery to each battalion of a regiment. Additionally a seventh battery was formed with surplus materiel found by the division during its transfer to the front.[5]

On 15 September the 185th Infantry Regiment "Folgore", which had remained in Italy, left the division and changed its name to 185th Infantry Regiment "Nembo" and became the basis for the 184th Infantry Division "Nembo" (Nemo Italian for Nimbus). To aid in the raising of the 183rd Infantry Regiment "Nembo" the 185th ceded its X Paratroopers Battalion to the 183rd and raised the XI Paratroopers Battalion in its stead.[3]

In North Africa the division participated in the First and Second Battle of El Alamein. During the latter division put up a fierce defense against advancing Allied forces, managing to drive off repeated assaults conducted by tanks and infantry working in unison. However, in the course of the battle the division was annihilated and declared lost on 23 November 1942.[1]

After the Armistice of Cassibile between the Allies and Italy most of the troops of the "Nembo" stationed on Sardinia decided to side with Italian King Victor Emmanuel III and began to fight the retreating German troops. Subsequently, the remnants of the "Nembo" were used to form the Combat Group "Folgore" of the Italian Co-Belligerent Army in 1944. The combat group was equipped with British materiel and uniforms and fought as part of the British XIII Corps in Italian Campaign.

During the war the fascist regime in Northern Italy fielded the 1st Parachute Arditi Regiment "Folgore", which also fielded a "Nembo" and a "Folgore" battalion.

Cold War

[edit]
See also: Mechanized Division "Folgore"

After World War II the Combat Group "Folgore" became one of the Italian Army's first divisions and by 1954 one of the strongest. The Infantry Division "Folgore" was mechanized infantry unit based in the North-eastern Italian city of Treviso. Airborne troops and operations were to be performed by the Military Parachuting Centre in Pisa.

On 1 January 1963 the Military Parachuting Center was reorganized and renamed Paratroopers Brigade, which consisted of the 1st Paratroopers Regiment with the II and V paratroopers battalions, the Paratroopers Saboteurs Battalion, a Carabinieri Paratroopers Company, which was expanded to battalion on 15 July 1963 and a Paratroopers Field Artillery Battery, which was expanded to group on 1 June 1963 and armed with Mod56 105 mm howitzers, and the Paratroopers Training Center. On 1 April 1964 the brigade lost the Paratroopers Training Center in Pisa to the army's Infantry and Cavalry Inspectorate. On 10 June 1967 the Paratroopers Brigade was renamed Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore".[1]

With the Italian Army 1975 reform the army abolished the regimental level and re-organised its brigades. Therefore, the "Folgore" brigade's 1st Paratroopers Regiment disbanded on 1 October 1975 and its two battalions became the 2nd Paratroopers Battalion "Tarquinia'" and the 5th Paratroopers Battalion "El Alamein". After the reform the brigade was structured as follows:[1]

In 1982 the brigade deployed in Italy's first international mission abroad since World War II, when it joined the Multinational Force in Lebanon and on 1 January 1983 the Military Parachuting School in Pisa with the 3rd Paratroopers (Recruits Training) Battalion "Poggio Rusco" returned to the brigade .[1]

On 1 January 1986, the "Folgore" brigade and the Motorized Brigade "Friuli", in conjunction with some units of the Army's Light Army Aviation and the Navy's San Marco Regiment, became the Rapid Intervention Forces of the Italian Military, deployable on short notice for out of area missions. On 31 October of the same year the army disbanded the Mechanized Division "Folgore", leaving the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" as only heir of the name and traditions associated with the name "Folgore".[1]

In 1991 tactical group of the brigade was sent to Kurdistan as part of the Operation Provide Comfort. The same year the army disbanded seven combat brigades as the Cold War had ended. On 31 May 1991 the "Folgore" received the 183rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion "Nembo" from the Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia", which subsequently was re-roled as a paratroopers battalion. Beginning in 1992 the battalions returned to their regimental names.[1] The brigade's new structure was as follows:

On 3 December 1992 the brigade deployed for a year to Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope (later Unified Task Force). There the brigade was engaged in a battle on 2 July 1993 where it lost three men and a further 36 were injured. The three deceased soldiers were each awarded the Gold Medal of Military Valor for their conduct during the battle.

After the Cold War

[edit]

On 1 October 1997, the brigades passed to the Projection Forces Command (Comando Forze di Proiezione or COMFOP), which commanded all rapid-deployable units of the Italian Army. However, on 1 December 2000 the brigade passed to the 1st Defence Forces Command (1° Comando Forze di Difesa or COMFOD 1°) and received the 5th Engineer Battalion "Bolsena" in Legnano, which was renamed as 8th Engineer Regiment "Folgore" and incorporated the brigade's Paratroopers Engineer Company "Folgore". The same year on 31 August the 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore" retired its howitzers and began its conversion to a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Special Operations unit.[1]

In March 2001, the brigade lost its logistic battalion and the 26th Light Airplanes and Helicopters Squadron "Giove" and when in 2002 the Carabinieri were separated from the Army to become the Fourth Armed Force of Italy the 1st Carabinieri Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania" left the brigade. From April to September 2005 the brigade was employed in Iraq as part of the Multi-National Force – Iraq. In 2007 the brigade sent a task force to East Timor as part of International Force for East Timor, while the majority of its units deployed to Lebanon as part of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon II. The brigade deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of ISAF – once in 2009 and once in 2011

Organization

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" units in 2022
185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment is based in Bracciano in Lazio
8th Paratroopers Engineer Regiment is based in Legnago in Veneto
Regiment Savoia Cavalleria (3rd) Centauro on maneuver

With the 2013 reform the "Folgore" changed its composition significantly. The brigade lost its two special forces units which both passed to the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE) in Pisa. In return the brigade received the Regiment "Savoia Cavalleria" (3rd) from the Airmobile Brigade "Friuli", the 33rd Self-propelled Field Artillery Regiment "Acqui" from the Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna" and the 6th Logistic Regiment from the disbanded Logistic Projection Command. Upon entering the brigade the 33rd Artillery Regiment was renamed as 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment "Folgore", while the 6th Logistic Regiment was renamed as Logistic Regiment "Folgore". As of 4 October 2022 the brigade consists of the following units:

The composition of the brigade is identical to the composition of the Alpine Brigade "Julia" and Alpine Brigade "Taurinense", the other light brigades of the Italian Army.

Equipment

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The paratrooper regiments are equipped with Lince light multirole vehicles. The maneuver support companies of the paratrooper regiments are equipped with 120 mm mortars and Spike anti-tank guided missile systems. The cavalry regiment is equipped with Centauro tank destroyers and VTLM Lince vehicles. The brigade's artillery regiment is equipped with 18x 120 mm mortars.

Gorget patches

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Main article: Italian Army gorget patches

The personnel of the brigade's units wears the following gorget patches:[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b "185° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "187° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b "186° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d "185° Reggimento Artiglieria Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  6. ^ "8° Reggimento Genio Guastatori Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  8. ^ a b F. dell'Uomo, R. Puletti (1998). L'Esercito Italiano verso il 2000 - Vol. Primo - Tomo I. Rome: SME - Ufficio Storico. p. 102.
  9. ^ F. dell'Uomo, R. Puletti (1998). L'Esercito Italiano verso il 2000 - Vol. Primo - Tomo I. Rome: SME - Ufficio Storico. p. 212.
  10. ^ "187° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  11. ^ "186° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  12. ^ "9° Reggimento d'Assalto Paracadutisti "Col Moschin" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  13. ^ "185° Reggimento Artiglieria Paracadutisti "Folgore" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Reggimento Logistico "Folgore" - La Storia". Esercito Italiano. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  15. ^ Cerbo, Giovanni (1996). L'Aviazione dell'Esercito - Dalle origini ai giorni nostri. Rome: Rivista Militare. p. 128. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  16. ^ Stefani, Filippo (1989). La storia della dottrina e degli ordinamenti dell'Esercito Italiano - Vol. III - Tomo 2nd. Rome: Ufficio Storico - Stato Maggiore dell'Esercito. p. 1187.
  17. ^ "Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore"". Italian Army. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
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